Metascore®Generally unfavorable reviewsbased on a weighted average of allcritic review scores.

50

out of 100

The Hollywood ReporterFrank Scheck

The sort of lumbering epic drama that went out of fashion by the late 1960s, For Greater Glory is mainly notable for shedding light on a little-known historical conflict, namely the Cristero War that took place in 1920s Mexico.

In its use of locations and sets, it's an impressive achievement by director Dean Wright, whose credits include some of the effects on the "Lord of the Rings" films. If it had not hewed so singlemindedly to the Catholic view and included all religions under the banner of religious liberty, I believe it would have been more effective.

Parents need to know that For Greater Glory, which sheds light on one of the bloodiest moments in Mexican history, doesn't shy away from depicting war-related carnage: Children and the elderly are beaten and shot point blank; countless others are seen with nooses tied around their necks and then hung from ceilings and telegraph lines, with their corpses shown motionless for many scenes. And that's just the beginning. That said, aside from some drinking, there's not much else of note, content-wise -- there's no sex, hardly any swearing, and plenty of acts of heroism. Bottom line? It's an inspiring story, but one that's sometimes hard to stomach.

Families can talk about how the Mexicans defied the government to honor their faith, even when threatened with imprisonment or death. Why do you think they did that? Teens: Have you ever fought hard for something you believed in?

Talk about For Greater Glory's many brutally violent scenes. How does this kind of violence compare to what you might see in a horror movie? Which has greater impact?

Which characters would you consider role models? Why?

The good stuff

Messages: The movie's core message is that you must stand up for what you believe in, as that's the only way to live in peace with yourself. Also, faith can see you through the toughest of personal and physical challenges.

Role models: There are many heroes in this movie, but Jose, a teenager, tops them all, standing up for what he believes in despite ridicule, danger, and death.

What to watch for

Violence: For Greater Glory has an inspiring, courageous message, but the war violence is relentless. Countless people -- including women, men, and children; old and young; and characters viewers will be attached to -- are stabbed, shot point blank, hung on telegraph poles (with the camera lingering on them as they swing from rafters), and tortured in scene after scene. It almost never lets up.

Sex: Not applicable

Language: Very infrequent use of "hell."

Consumerism: Not applicable

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink liquor at social occasions and while alone, pickling their worries in tequila and sorrow.

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